Electrical and thermal energy supply system for buildings

Abstract

An electrical and thermal energy supply system for buildings is disclosed wherein electricity is generated by an engine driving a generator either inside or in close proximity to the building. Heat generated by the engine is recovered and supplied to the building. The electrical generating system is activated on demand for electricity from within the building. Optionally, the output of the generator may be used to electrically heat water or air, or both, to supplement the heat recovered from the operation of the engine. Additionally, a battery-inverter, chargeable by the generator, may be included to reduce the duty cycle of the engine. A wind powered generator may be further added to charge the battery and conserve fuel, especially in warmer time periods.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An energy supply system for a building for generating electrical and thermal energy for use within said building, said building having an electrical and a thermal energy distribution system, said system comprising in combination: a. a fuel energized engine;   b. an electrical generator driven by said engine;   c. heat recovery means for recovering heat generated by said engine;   d. means connecting said heat recovery means and the thermal energy distribution system of said building;   e. an auxilliary storage battery;   f. an inverter powered by said battery connected to the electrical distribution system of said building for supplying electrical power to said building within the capacity of said storage battery;   g. means for charging said battery by said generator; and   h. switching control means comprising:   
     
     
       1. demand control means for activating said engine upon demand for electrical energy within said building exceeding the capacity of said auxiliary storage battery; and 2. switching means for connecting the electrical output of said generator to the electrical distribution system of said building and for disconnecting the inverter from said electrical distribution system upon activation of said engine.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus of claim 1 further including; a. venting means for venting excess heat from said heat recovery system external to said building; and   b. temperature responsive control means within said building for activating said venting means.   
     
     
       3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the thermal energy distribution system of said building is comprised in part of a hot water distribution system and said apparatus further includes: a. electrical heating elements means arranged to heat water;   b. means to supply said heat heated water to said hot water distribution system; and   c. means for connecting the electrical output of said generator to said electrical heating element means.   
     
     
       4. The apparatus of claim 3 further including temperature responsive control means within said building for activating said engine. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the thermal energy distribution system of said building is comprised in part of a hot air distribution system and said apparatus further includes: a. electric heating element means arranged to heat air;   b. means to supply said heated air to said hot air distribution system; and   c. means for connecting the electrical output of said generator to said electrical heating element means.   
     
     
       6. The apparatus of claim 1 further including temperature responsive control means within said building for activating said engine. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of claim 1 further including: a. a wind-driven generator; and   b. means for charging said battery by said generator.   
     
     
       8. The apparatus of claim 2 further including: a. an external source of electrical power; and   b. means for connecting said external source to said electrical distribution system and disconnecting said inverter output and said generator output from said electrical distribution system.